April 23, 2007

VCU co-hosts “We are the change: Democracy and inclusion in the 21st century”

Share this story

By Mike Porter

Participants were encouraged to write down their thoughts about democracy and inclusion. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.
Participants were encouraged to write down their thoughts about democracy and inclusion. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.
Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, detailed his battle to clean up his city’s deteriorating and drug-infested neighborhoods and the critical support of Newark resident Virginia Jones, who served as an inspiration. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.
Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, detailed his battle to clean up his city’s deteriorating and drug-infested neighborhoods and the critical support of Newark resident Virginia Jones, who served as an inspiration. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.
Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected African-American governor in American history, talks informally with a participant before delivering the afternoon’s keynote address. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.
Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected African-American governor in American history, talks informally with a participant before delivering the afternoon’s keynote address. Photo by Mike Porter/VCU Office of University News Services.

Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Region 2007 hosted nearly 1,000 selected students, faculty members, community leaders and residents for a forum to discuss democracy and inclusion.

“We are the change: Democracy and inclusion in the 21st century” took place Thursday, April 19, at the VCU Siegel Center.  The forum was part of the “America’s 400th Anniversary” commemoration and was officially recognized by the Jamestown 400th Federal Commission.  It was designed to promote an exchange of ideas and to encourage civic engagement in the public and private sector among a diverse group of students, leaders and residents.

Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, the subject of the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Street Fight,” served as keynote speaker of the morning session.

Booker told the audience he learned early in life that the United States is made up of ordinary people who do extraordinary things.  He challenged those listening to do the same.

“We have a choice: sit down on the sideline and enjoy the fruits of this nation or stand up and participate in shaping the future,” Booker said.

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected African-American governor in the United States, served as afternoon keynote speaker.  Wilder told the audience not to be discouraged by negativity.

“Let nobody tell you what you can’t do,” Wilder said.

Robert Holsworth, dean of VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences, said democracy and inclusion will define our society as we go forward in the 21st century.

“Inclusiveness takes personal courage and the willingness to take tremendous risks to make it happen,” Holsworth said.

The forum also featured a “democracy café,” whereby participants switched tables periodically throughout the day to stimulate discussion in small groups about regional issues that relate to democracy and inclusion. 

Others expressed their feelings about democracy and inclusion by writing their thoughts on paper tablecloths or on posters.

“Democracy Ave” was set up to allow participants to join volunteer groups and register to vote.

Participants from VCU were joined by representatives of other colleges across Central Virginia, including J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, John Tyler Community College, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and the University of Richmond.